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Sport letters and emails: June 16

Simon Katich, in fine form for Lancashire, would add steal to Australia (MIKE FINN-KELCEY)

The Australian Ashes squad lack experience because Ricky Ponting and Michael
Hussey have retired. Simon Katich, averaging 58.7 for Lancashire this
season, has a Test average of 45 and would bolster a fragile middle order.
He was badly treated by Cricket Australia, which should now make amends. Rajiv Radhakrishnan, London

The David Warner-Joe Root incident reminds me of England’s tour to Australia
in 1886-7. The Notts fast bowler Billy Barnes swung a punch at Percy
McDonnell, the hosts’ captain, missed him and smashed his knuckles on a
wall. The tour promoter searched frantically for a replacement and found
Reginald Wood, a batsman who had moved Down Under after a mediocre career
with Lancashire. He batted at No 10, scored 0 and 6 and did not bowl. He was
never selected again but is one of only six Charterhouse School old boys to
play Test cricket.Bob Noble, via email